With so much that Johnson has already accomplished, what keeps him motivated each week to continue working hard?

Lists, for one thing.

"I am happy when I accomplish things," Johnson told reporters Friday at Kansas Speedway. "I'm happy when I make lists all the time and I scratch things off my list. Whether it's a honey-do list or goals I make for myself, I just have my mindset where I like to work through things and accomplish that."

Though he didn't reveal what's on his list these days, it likely includes winning a sixth championship. With seven races left in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Johnson is just eight points behind leader Matt Kenseth.

With all he's achieved, Johnson could probably coast on his reputation and have a job for as long as he wanted it without worrying about sullying his image.

He can't help but work as hard as ever, though — both on his physical fitness and behind-the-scenes dealings with his No. 48 team.

Why?

"I think a lot of it is just my DNA and the type of person I am and the family I grew up in," Johnson said. "I go back through my grandparents, great-grandparents (and) they were all just all hard-working people. I grew up in that environment and around it."

Jimmie Johnson was honored for his Sprint Cup championship by President Obama at the White House on Aug. 19, 2009. Johnson was previously feted by former President George W. Bush.
Andrew Harrer, Bloomberg

Jimmie Johnson, right, and crew chief Chad Knaus kiss the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after winning the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in 2008. Johnson has four career wins at the Brickyard.
Geoff Burke, Getty Images for NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson shares a laugh with Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House, during a visit to Capitol Hill on Feb. 5, 2007. A reporter asked if he was a Democrat or Republican. The Speaker changed the subject.
Tim Dillon, USA TODAY Sports

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Johnson has less time these days — he's married and has two young daughters (including one born last month) — but said the family element has helped his schedule become more structured. When he starts concentrating on racing, it's easier to dive in than before.

"I have more things on my plate, but the time that I do a lot to train and the time that I do a lot for working with the team and coming to the track, I'm just much more focused," he said.

As for the racing? Johnson said the top three in points — Kenseth, Johnson and Kyle Busch — aren't in the clear yet. Though fourth-place Kevin Harvick and fifth-place Jeff Gordon are both 39 points out of the lead, Johnson said it was possible for those drivers to climb back into the championship hunt without the top three having problems.

"If we all start running seventh or eighth and somebody gets hot, they can make up points," Johnson said. "I still think it's possible, largely because there are seven (races) left. That starts shifting dramatically as we get later in the season."